Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has visited a memorial in northern Quang Ninh Province to pay respect to martyrs who lost their lives during the 1979 northern border war ahead of the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

PM Chinh laid a wreath and offered incense at the Po Hen memorial zone in Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province on Wednesday, the Vietnam Government Portal reported.

The premier was accompanied by Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The, Deputy Minister of National Defense Le Huy Vinh, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Party Committee Nguyen Xuan Ky, Commander of the Vietnam Border Guard Le Duc Thai, and Vice-President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Ngo Sach Thuc.

The memorial zone was established to commemorate border guard soldiers in Quang Ninh Province who fought to the last breath on February 17, 1979 to protect the country’s border and sovereignty.

At the venue, the prime minister also delivered Tet wishes and gifts to ethnic minority people in Quang Duc Commune, Hai Ha District and Hai Son Commune, Mong Cai City.

He encouraged these residents to continue following the guidelines, policies, and laws of the Party and state, complying with pandemic control measures, and contributing to building a border of peace, friendship, and development.

The leader requested local authorities to ensure a safe and joyful Tet holiday for residents as well as border guard officers.

Earlier the same day, PM Chinh and his delegation had handed Tet gifts to functional forces at Mong Cai International Border Gate and factory workers at Deo Nai Coal Company in Quang Ninh Province.

The Lunar New Year falls on February 1 this year.

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